RV Indochine I Cruise Downstream 9 days: Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh City

Afternoon & Evening

Your journey begins in Siem Reap at Lotus Blanc Hotel (for RV Indochine) at 13:00. From here, transfer to your cruise ship and settle comfortably into your cabin.

Afterward, join a welcome cocktail where you’ll be introduced to the crew who will accompany you throughout the journey. Dinner is served onboard in a relaxed atmosphere, marking the start of your Mekong adventure. Then, it’s your free time to unwind overnight on board.

Morning

Arrive in Koh Chen, a peaceful village known for its skilled artisans working with silver and copper. Take time to explore and observe these traditional crafts that have been preserved through generations. Then, we return to the ship for lunch as the cruise continues.

Afternoon & Evening

Then, we visit the elegant Vihara at Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To reach the site, travel through Kampong Tralach village by “tuk-tuk” along a narrow path cutting across vast rice fields, an immersive glimpse into rural Cambodian life. 

Afterward, we get back to the cruise ship, have a nice dinner, and spend the night on board. 

Morning & Afternoon

Today, we will visit Kampong Chhnang, one of the region’s largest fishing ports, where life revolves around the water and fish farming. The area is also renowned for its traditional pottery ( “Chhnang,” meaning pot), a craft blending ancient techniques with modern touches.

Later, enjoy a tasting of local products before returning to the ship for lunch as you cruise toward Phnom Penh. 

Evening

The cruise ship arrives in the city in the early evening, and you can explore the city briefly by tuk-tuk, offering a lively introduction to the capital. 

Back on board, enjoy a performance of classical Khmer music and dance, followed by a tasty dinner after a long day. Then it’s free time for leisure.

Morning

Today, we will discover Phnom Penh’s rich cultural heritage. Begin with a visit to the Royal Palace, an iconic symbol of Cambodia, followed by the Silver Pagoda with its remarkable treasures. Continue to the National Museum, where an impressive collection offers deeper insight into the country’s history and artistry.

Afternoon & Evening

After lunch in town, you may visit Tuol Svay Prey School, a former detention center that stands as a powerful reminder of Cambodia’s past. Later, enjoy some free time at a local market, where the vibrant atmosphere reflects everyday city life.

Return to the ship in the late afternoon. As evening falls, the cruise departs Phnom Penh, sailing toward Chau Doc near the Vietnam border. Enjoy the peaceful transition from city to river as you settle in for the night on board.

Morning

Wake up in Chau Doc, a vibrant border town between Cambodia and Vietnam, where life is deeply connected to the river. Known for its thriving fishing industry, the area is dotted with floating fish farms that stretch across the water, creating a unique and lively riverscape.

We set out to visit Tay An Pagoda, notable for its distinctive architectural style, followed by Ba Chua Xu Temple, an important spiritual site that draws pilgrims from across the region. These visits offer a meaningful glimpse into local beliefs and cultural traditions.

Afternoon & Evening

After a warm lunch, return to the ship and begin cruising toward Sa Dec. As the scenery gradually shifts along the Mekong, take time to relax on deck and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the river. Dinner is served onboard, feel free to spend the night.

Morning

Begin the day in Sa Dec with a visit to the former house of Huynh Thuy Le, a charming residence steeped in history and famously linked to Marguerite Duras’ novel The Lover. 

After the visit, enjoy some free time to wander through Sa Dec at your own pace, soaking in its laid-back riverside charm. We then return to the ship for lunch as the cruise continues toward Vinh Long.

Afternoon & Evening

Then, let’s board smaller boats to explore the Mekong’s intricate network of canals, gliding past lush orchards and scenes of everyday life along the waterways.

Reach Cai Be, where you discover local craftsmanship with visits to a brick and pottery factory, followed by traditional workshops producing puffed rice, rice-paper wrappers used for nems, and rice alcohol. These hands-on encounters reveal the enduring artisanal traditions of the delta. 

Back on board later, you can relax as the ship resumes cruising. Dinner is served in a peaceful setting, followed by another tranquil night on the river.

Morning

We begin the exploration in My Tho with a visit to a local bee farm, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of fragrant honey tea alongside fresh tropical fruits, a simple yet authentic Mekong experience.

Continue your exploration aboard small sampans, gently gliding through narrow canals shaded by mangrove palms. This offers a close-up view of daily life along the waterways, where the rhythm of the delta unfolds at an unhurried pace.

Afternoon & Evening

Return to the ship for lunch as the cruise resumes. In the afternoon, navigate the narrow and bustling Chao Gao Canal, a fascinating stretch that reveals the contrast between local river traffic and tranquil countryside scenes.

By evening, arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy dinner onboard while docked in the heart of the city, where modern energy meets historic charm.

Morning

We will spend the day exploring the dynamic charm of Ho Chi Minh City, where traces. Begin with a guided tour of iconic landmarks, including the historic Reunification Palace, the elegant Notre Dame Cathedral (closed temporarily for renovation), and the beautifully preserved Central Post Office. 

Then, you continue to the Museum of Vietnamese History, where fascinating exhibits offer deeper insight into the country’s rich and complex past.

Afternoon

Return to the ship for lunch before enjoying a relaxed afternoon at your own pace, or choose to venture out to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast underground network once served as shelters, supply routes, and strategic bases during wartime, offering a powerful and eye-opening perspective on Vietnam’s history.

Evening

Back onboard, the evening is reserved for a memorable farewell cocktail and dinner, an elegant moment to reflect on the journey. Wrapping up your Mekong experience in a vibrant yet atmospheric setting.

Morning & Afternoon

After breakfast, disembark and set out for a final discovery of the city with a visit to Cho Lon, the vibrant Chinatown district. Wander through its bustling market, where the energy of daily life unfolds amid colorful stalls, traditional shops, and the distinct cultural blend that defines this historic area.

Following lunch in town, your journey comes to a close with a farewell around 14:00. As you part ways, take with you lasting impressions of the Mekong’s rich cultures and landscapes. 

For your onward travel, it is recommended not to schedule flights before 17:00.